PARTICK THISTLE have been struck by crisis as the fight to avoid the play-offs gets under way.

Top midfielder Isaac Osbourne has undergone knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season for the Jags, while another midfield star, Gary Fraser, has returned to parent club Bolton.

A third midfielder in the shape of Stuart Bannigan is suspended for tomorrow’s clash with fellow play-off contenders Ross County, bringing boss Alan Archibald’s squad woes into sharp focus.

The Firhill gaffer hopes to bring Fraser back on loan and revealed he is scouring the market for stars who can help steer his side clear of the dreaded relegation play-off at the end of the season.

Archibald, whose team will be gunning for their first home win of the season when the Staggies pitch up, said: “Isaac was hurt in the game against St Johnstone and medical opinion is he will miss the rest of the campaign.

“That loss has forced our hand in the transfer market and we’ll need to have talks with Bolton about getting Gary back on loan.

“Who is capable of spending the most money in bringing in fresh players during the window could be an issue which helps decide who avoids the play-offs.”

Archibald confirmed Celtic’s Dylan McGeouch is on his list of targets but no contact has yet been made with the Hoops.

He added: “We understand that Dylan might be injured at the moment but he is a player we could return to before the January transfer window closes.”